Posted on September 2, 2025 by Katelyn Juarez
COEHD Dean Mario Torres has named John Davis as the new associate dean for academic programs and student success, a role focused on advancing academic strategy and enriching the student experience.
John Davis, PhD
UT San Antonio Dean for the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) Mario Torresannounced the appointment of John Davis, associate professor in the Department of Educational Psychology, as associate dean for academic programs and student success, effective Sept. 1. Davis steps into an established leadership role focused on shaping academic strategy and enhancing the student experience.
As associate dean, Davis will lead efforts to advance excellence in the college’s research, education and service missions, while overseeing academic support for approximately 2,000 students across 24 undergraduate and graduate programs. In this role, Davis will also strengthen partnerships within and beyond the college and support the development of new academic programs.
“I was drawn to this role because it integrates my long-standing commitment to student success, program innovation, and evidence-based decision-making with COEHD’s mission to improve life outcomes for students, staff and faculty,” Davis said.
“The opportunity to lead initiatives that enhance admissions, retention, persistence, and graduation, while ensuring programs remain workforce relevant, aligns perfectly with my scholarly focus on improving educational and employment outcomes for individuals with unique learning needs,” Davis added.
Davis brings a wealth of experience to the position, with a strong background in interdisciplinary collaboration, student success initiatives, and academic quality assurance. He has led federally funded projects, like Employ 210, that enhanced career readiness, behavioral health support, and experiential learning, directly impacting student retention and graduation. His cross-campus work and expertise in accreditation have positioned him as a thoughtful, data-driven leader in higher education.
In this new role, Davis is committed to advancing innovative, student-centered academic pathways that align with evolving workforce demands and integrating experiential learning from enrollment to career. He aims to strengthen institutional support for student success by leveraging data and evidence based practices to improve retention, persistence, and graduation, particularly for underserved and first-generation students. A focus of his vision includes fostering a collaborative and welcoming culture that empowers students through cross-campus partnerships, mentorship and development opportunities.
Davis succeeds Heather Trepal, who has served in the position since 2022.
— Katelyn Juarez
